The Place That Time Forgot is a story set in Central Victoria during
the 1960s at the time when Lake Eppalock was created, by
submerging the land and homes of many communities.
This story depicts a “time of deep loss for those who were forced
to abandon their livelihood and their heritage” in a government
effort to combat Australia’s battle with drought and a lack of
water.
Those of us who now enjoy the amenities of a constant supply of water to our homes and
businesses, and the capacity to enjoy sports and recreation on these huge expanses of
water should remember the price of progress does not come cheaply.
The Place That Time Forgot tells an imaginary tale of people who lived through a turbulent
era in the history of Central Victoria. Though they are fictitious characters, people like
Charlotte, Victoria, Matilda, Luke, and Wang Lei lived and shaped the community and the
state we have. And who we are today.
Described as ‘historical fiction’ the novel will no doubt generate interest throughout Victoria
and beyond as the 60th anniversary of the creation of the dam is remembered in April next
year (2024).
As we approach what is forecast to be another prolonged period of drought, Lake Eppalock
is reported to be at full capacity. However, many local residents can recall the years of recent
drought with severe water restrictions and their reservoir being down to sixteen percent
capacity in 2007.
This story is a very human account of the personal and individual cost of progress.
The Place That Time Forgot is written by Jann Maree and published by The Rural Publishing
Company.
For an interview with the author please contact [phone] or jandjobrien27@gmail.com.
To contact the publisher, please contact 0406 498 528 or
hello@theruralpublishingcompany.com.au.
More information can be found at https://jannmaree.com/.
Book Blurb:
The Place That Time Forgot tells the story of a community under threat. A proposal to create
a man-made lake causes turmoil and dissension for people who have lived and farmed in a
close-knit community in the district of Wild Duck for many generations.
During this time of social upheaval, ambitious, young Charlotte Duggan grows to
womanhood. As the people of the district galvanise to hold their place and their heritage
against the forces of authority and the water that threatens to engulf them, Charlotte finds
her ambition to be a writer and her infatuation with the son of a wealthy neighbour is
tested when a mysterious stranger arrives in her district.
As landowners wait for the explosion that will form the weir and signal the loss of their homes
and livelihood, Charlotte and the newcomer, Luke, are thrown together in a relationship
that despite their strong attraction, holds a conflict of interest for both of them.
Can their love survive amidst the turmoil that threatens their way of life and that of their
community?
About the Author:
Jann Maree was born in Bendigo and has worked as a secondary college teacher in the ACT,
NSW, Queensland and Victoria. She has also had stints in adult education and as a
workplace trainer. Her lifelong interest in health and wellbeing has gained her
qualifications in Remedial Massage and Bowen Therapy. In 2022 she published No Nervous
Lady, a memoir of her time spent building a mud-walled home in rural NSW.
She is passionate about yoga, health and wellbeing, gardening, and reading across all genres.
She describes herself as an avid nature lover.
The Place That Time Forgot is her first novel and is inspired by the recollections of her
ninety-seven-year-old mother.
She is married and lives in Central Victoria.
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